Gemini Springs Park is a picture-perfect place for a picnic
Nestled in Volusia County just south of DeBary, there’s a peaceful oasis with pristine waters and serenity abound. It’s a place to relax with family or friends, have a picnic or play with the dog.
Set on 210 acres of public land, Gemini Springs Park has twin springs, myriad recreation opportunities and storied history. Native people used the land thousands of years ago, and more recent settlers used the land for farming and noted the magic of clear waters and handsome live oaks.
The double Gemini Springs, which discharge six million gallons per day, were previously known as Parker’s Spring and Magnolia Spring when they were part of a farm owned by the Padgett family.
While swimming is not allowed in the springs, miles of trails, both paved and unpaved, take visitors around the water’s edge and through wooded sections of the park. Wander beneath towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Listen to birds caw, chirp and screech as squirrels forage.
In one part of the park, visitors can glimpse part of a fenced-off sinkhole with an underground stream. Nearby, an open field awaits visitors who want to throw a Frisbee or play catch. A number of pavilions available for rent can serve as the perfect venue for a picnic. The springhouse can also be rented and provide indoor seating for up to 60 guests.
Anglers with a freshwater fishing permit can utilize the fishing pier along DeBary Creek. Nearby, paddlers can access the water from a canoe launch, though it’s a bit of a walk from the parking lot.
Another one of the park’s many draws is a 4.5-acre fenced dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs. Find shaded areas, benches, a dog wash station and water fountains.
Overnight visitors can call ahead to reserve a primitive campsite for $15 per night.
Daytime visitors can make a day of their visit to Gemini Springs by bringing a bike to explore the paved Spring-to-Spring Trail, which extends east to Green Springs Park and north to DeLeon Springs State Park.
Important information
Location: 37 Dirksen Drive in DeBary
Hours: Open sunrise to sunset daily
Amenities: Benches, paved and unpaved trails, fishing pier, campsites, canoe launch, dog park, trash cans, recycling, interpretive signs, pavilions, playground, charcoal grills, restrooms, parking
Activities: Hiking, fishing, paddling, picnicking, wildlife viewing
Accessibility: Paved sidewalks and trails should prove fairly accessible for wheelchair and powered scooter users at Gemini Springs Park.
What to bring: A camera can help to capture the flora and fauna found around the springs. Pack a picnic or a book and utilize one of the park’s many benches or pavilions. A fishing rod can help anglers catch fish on DeBary Creek, though a freshwater license is required.
What not to bring: Glass containers are not allowed at Gemini Springs Park. Skateboards, roller skates and scooters aren’t allowed in the park, and bikes are only permitted on designated trails along the perimeter of the park.
Swimming is not allowed. It is against the rules to disturb plants or animals.
Pets: Leashed pets are allowed at Gemini Springs Park, and dogs are allowed off-leash in the Gemini
Springs Dog Park.
Pro tips: Keep an eye out for birds in the park including great blue herons, ibises and hawks. Stop and read interpretive signs along trails to
learn more about the area’s history.
More information: 386-736-5953 or volusia. org
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